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University Quantum Mechanics II · unit UQMII-14

The Adiabatic Approximation and Berry's Phase

Connect the ideas, make your working visible, and test the result. Use the hints when you need a starting point; open the full solution after your attempt.

Extra challenging questions

A selection from this pathway. Open a topic below for its complete practice and challenge set.

Extra challenging · 01

Adiabatic invariants: a pendulum of slowly changing length: infer an input with uncertainty

An adiabatic invariant is a quantity that stays fixed when a parameter of a periodic system changes slowly compared with one period, even though the energy changes; for an oscillator it is E/ω, the area of its phase-space orbit divided by 2π. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = (r^1.5+r^(-1.5))/2, where Y_out is MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. r is Length ratio L₂/L₁, dimensionless. Keep phi (Phase φ of the sudden pull) = 60 ° fixed. For this exercise use only 0.553125 ≤ r ≤ 0.946875 on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 1.0609198, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.0086348. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown r by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.000039375, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.

Explore the question data

MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ against r

Predictions from the supplied Adiabatic invariants: a pendulum of slowly changing length model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ

MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ against rPredictions from the supplied Adiabatic invariants: a pendulum of slowly changing length model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: r: Length ratio L₂/L₁. Vertical axis: MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ. Exact values are available in the data table below.0.98661.0991.2121.3251.4380.53740.64370.750.85630.9626xy

Horizontal axis (x): r: Length ratio L₂/L₁

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1r: Length ratio L₂/L₁: 0.5531MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ: 1.421
Read the exact data as a table
MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ against r — supplied values
r: Length ratio L₂/L₁MEAN SUDDEN I₂/I₁ OVER φ
0.5531251.4211304273382364
0.65156249999999991.2136520792317815
0.751.0945598853386656
0.84843751.0305448061550542
0.94687499999999991.0033542277985958

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(r) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. Endpoint predictions are Y_out(0.553125) = 1.42113 and Y_out(0.946875) = 1.00335. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
  2. Endpoint interpolation gives r_line = 0.553125 + (1.06092 − 1.42113)(0.946875 − 0.553125)/(1.00335 − 1.42113) = 0.89262. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
  3. Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives r = 0.793312; substituting back gives Y_out = 1.0609198.
  4. The interpolation error in the input is |r_line − r| = 0.0993075. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
  5. Invert both limits Y_out = 1.052285 and 1.0695546. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 0.780961 ≤ r ≤ 0.806821.
  6. The lower and upper input deviations are 0.0123513 and 0.0135085. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.

Answer r ≈ 0.793312; compatible interval [0.780961, 0.806821]. Endpoint interpolation gives 0.89262.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.

Extra challenging · 02

The adiabatic theorem and its validity condition: infer an input with uncertainty

The adiabatic theorem says that a system starting in a non-degenerate eigenstate of a slowly changing Hamiltonian ends in the matching eigenstate |n(t)⟩ of the Hamiltonian at that moment, changed only by a phase, where slowly means ħ|⟨m|Ḣ|n⟩| ≪ (Eₙ − Eₘ)² for every other state m. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = (fr/f0)^2, where Y_out is PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)² (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. f0 is Gap frequency ω₀/2π, measured in MHz. Keep fr (Turning rate Ω/2π) = 0.5 MHz fixed. For this exercise use only 1.31875 MHz ≤ f0 ≤ 3.68125 MHz on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 0.032821708, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.0021561. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown f0 by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00023625 MHz, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.

Explore the question data

PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)² against f0

Predictions from the supplied The adiabatic theorem and its validity condition model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)²

PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)² against f0Predictions from the supplied The adiabatic theorem and its validity condition model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: f0: Gap frequency ω₀/2π / MHz. Vertical axis: PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)². Exact values are available in the data table below.0.013440.047270.08110.11490.14881.2241.8622.53.1383.776xy

Horizontal axis (x): f0: Gap frequency ω₀/2π / MHz

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1f0: Gap frequency ω₀/2π / MHz: 1.319PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)²: 0.1438
Read the exact data as a table
PEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)² against f0 — supplied values
f0: Gap frequency ω₀/2π / MHzPEAK, FIRST ORDER (Ω/ω₀)²
1.318750.14375238651422922
1.9093750.0685736939523895
2.50.04000000000000001
3.0906250.026172630993506935
3.681250.018448004012440875

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(f0) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. Endpoint predictions are Y_out(1.31875) = 0.143752 and Y_out(3.68125) = 0.018448. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
  2. Endpoint interpolation gives f0_line = 1.31875 + (0.0328217 − 0.143752)(3.68125 − 1.31875)/(0.018448 − 0.143752) = 3.41025 MHz. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
  3. Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives f0 = 2.75988 MHz; substituting back gives Y_out = 0.032821708.
  4. The interpolation error in the input is |f0_line − f0| = 0.650372 MHz. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
  5. Invert both limits Y_out = 0.030665608 and 0.034977808. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 2.67346 MHz ≤ f0 ≤ 2.85525 MHz.
  6. The lower and upper input deviations are 0.0864149 MHz and 0.0953755 MHz. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.

Answer f0 ≈ 2.75988 MHz; compatible interval [2.67346, 2.85525] MHz. Endpoint interpolation gives 3.41025 MHz.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.

Extra challenging · 03

The sudden approximation, the opposite limit: infer an input with uncertainty

The sudden approximation treats a Hamiltonian switched in a time short compared with ħ over the relevant level spacings as switched instantly: the state is unchanged, and each new eigenstate |φₙ⟩ is found with probability |⟨φₙ|ψ⟩|². Use the supplied topic model Y_out = n^2/r^2, where Y_out is NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁ (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793. r is New width L′/L, dimensionless. Keep n (New level shown, n) = 1 fixed. For this exercise use only 1.31875 ≤ r ≤ 3.68125 on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 0.13128683, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.0086242. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown r by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00023625, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.

Explore the question data

NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁ against r

Predictions from the supplied The sudden approximation, the opposite limit model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁

NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁ against rPredictions from the supplied The sudden approximation, the opposite limit model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: r: New width L′/L. Vertical axis: NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁. Exact values are available in the data table below.0.053740.18910.32440.45970.59511.2241.8622.53.1383.776xy

Horizontal axis (x): r: New width L′/L

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1r: New width L′/L: 1.319NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁: 0.575
Read the exact data as a table
NEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁ against r — supplied values
r: New width L′/LNEW LEVEL E′ₙ / E₁
1.318750.5750095460569169
1.9093750.27429477580955797
2.50.16
3.0906250.10469052397402774
3.681250.07379201604976349

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(r) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. Endpoint predictions are Y_out(1.31875) = 0.57501 and Y_out(3.68125) = 0.073792. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
  2. Endpoint interpolation gives r_line = 1.31875 + (0.131287 − 0.57501)(3.68125 − 1.31875)/(0.073792 − 0.57501) = 3.41025. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
  3. Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives r = 2.75988; substituting back gives Y_out = 0.13128683.
  4. The interpolation error in the input is |r_line − r| = 0.650372. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
  5. Invert both limits Y_out = 0.12266263 and 0.13991103. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 2.67346 ≤ r ≤ 2.85525.
  6. The lower and upper input deviations are 0.086413 and 0.0953731. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.

Answer r ≈ 2.75988; compatible interval [2.67346, 2.85525]. Endpoint interpolation gives 3.41025.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.

Extra challenging · 04

Landau-Zener transitions at a swept avoided crossing: infer an input with uncertainty

A Landau-Zener transition is the jump of a two-level system across an avoided crossing whose diabatic energies are swept past each other at a constant rate α; for coupling V it happens with probability exp(−2π|V|²/(ħα)), and otherwise the system follows the adiabatic curve into the other state. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = exp(-2*pi*v^2/(0.6582*al)), where Y_out is JUMP PROBABILITY P_D (dimensionless). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; exp(x) means eˣ. v is Coupling |V|, measured in μeV. Keep al (Sweep rate α) = 2 μeV ns⁻¹ fixed. For this exercise use only 0.34875 μeV ≤ v ≤ 1.45125 μeV on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 0.0068860479, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±0.0010264. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown v by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00011025 μeV, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.

Explore the question data

JUMP PROBABILITY P_D against v

Predictions from the supplied Landau-Zener transitions at a swept avoided crossing model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.

Vertical axis (y): JUMP PROBABILITY P_D

JUMP PROBABILITY P_D against vPredictions from the supplied Landau-Zener transitions at a swept avoided crossing model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law. Horizontal axis: v: Coupling |V| / μeV. Vertical axis: JUMP PROBABILITY P_D. Exact values are available in the data table below.-0.022340.12870.27980.43090.5820.30460.60230.91.1981.495xy

Horizontal axis (x): v: Coupling |V| / μeV

Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.

Reading 1v: Coupling |V| / μeV: 0.3488JUMP PROBABILITY P_D: 0.5596
Read the exact data as a table
JUMP PROBABILITY P_D against v — supplied values
v: Coupling |V| / μeVJUMP PROBABILITY P_D
0.348750.5596048709637621
0.6243750.15555926662931807
0.90.020939143258989837
1.17562500000000010.001364804826296571
1.451250.00004307554800144156

These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.

Show a hint

The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(v) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.

Reveal the worked solution
  1. Endpoint predictions are Y_out(0.34875) = 0.559605 and Y_out(1.45125) = 0.0000430755. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
  2. Endpoint interpolation gives v_line = 0.34875 + (0.00688605 − 0.559605)(1.45125 − 0.34875)/(0.0000430755 − 0.559605) = 1.43777 μeV. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
  3. Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives v = 1.02128 μeV; substituting back gives Y_out = 0.0068860479.
  4. The interpolation error in the input is |v_line − v| = 0.416492 μeV. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
  5. Invert both limits Y_out = 0.0058596479 and 0.0079124479. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 1.00692 μeV ≤ v ≤ 1.0377 μeV.
  6. The lower and upper input deviations are 0.0143524 μeV and 0.0164241 μeV. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.

Answer v ≈ 1.02128 μeV; compatible interval [1.00692, 1.0377] μeV. Endpoint interpolation gives 1.43777 μeV.

Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.

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